Movement of People Affected by Dams (MAB) | Page 2 of 3

The second year under Brazil’s parliamentary coup is now underway. Despite the political corruption and backlash against social movements, Grassroots International partners refuse to accept the dismantling of previous gains and are creating new systems to survive.

Solidarity Program Officer Lydia Simas spoke to two survivors of the 2015 Mariana dam disaster -- the greatest environmental disaster in Brazil's history. Maria and Raiane, activists in the Movement of People Affected by Dams (MAB), talked about the ongoing struggle to hold mega mining corp Samarco accountable.

The Grassroots Climate Solutions Fund (GCSF) is excited to announce its first round of grant awards to 11 grassroots climate justice organizations operating around the world who are building local resilience – not only for when the most acute suffering or injustice occurs, but for a thriving future.

Addressing this injustice the anti-dam network known as the Movement of People Affected by Hydro Dams (MAR) works throughout the Caribbean and Central and South America to protect river systems and riverine communities from the onslaught of hydro-electric and mining dam megaprojects. Through advocacy and education efforts on water rights, dams, and anti-dam movements, members have been able to increase their skills in organizing and advocating across the hemisphere.

In addition to the general strike on April 28, 2017, hundreds of workers took the streets early in the morning to protest against Michel Temer's illegitimate government measures. Main viaducts, avenues and highways of the whole country were blocked up at dawn.

With the generous support of our donors, Grassroots International feels honored to have bolstered hands-on solutions to some of the most critical challenges we face: hunger, violations of human rights, climate change and economic disparity. At this moment, we take a moment to applaud some of the exceptional achievements from the past year.

Indigenous peoples, local communities – and likely the earth itself – are breathing a sigh of relief and celebrating a major victory. After years of organizing and a series of major environmental studies, São Luiz do Tapajós mega-dam, the largest hydroelectric project planned for the Amazon, has been canceled.

On April 19th, which happens to be Indigenous people’s day in Brazil, Ibama, the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources, suspended the license of one of the biggest hydroelectric dam projects in Brazil, São Luiz do Tapajós in the Amazon, which was to be started this year. The company building the dam was planning on flooding about 7% of the Mundruku peoples land, which would be unconstitutional once the indigenous status of land is confirmed.

Right wing forces in Brazil are using all kinds of sneaky tricks to remove the democratically elected President Dilma Rousseff and take power. They have the backing (both official and unofficial) of major corporations, the Brazilian elite and the media (especially the Globo Network who monopolizes media in Brazil.)

March 22nd is International World Water Day and it serves as a reminder that water has not yet become a human right, and that millions continue to be denied access to water or have difficulty obtaining a fresh supply on a daily basis.

In a previous blog, we shared our critiques of the Paris climate agreement, and analysis of what took place. In this photo blog, we share some of the moments and lessons that demonstrate what Grassroots International celebrates from what took place in Paris – the clarity and strength of social movements on the frontlines of the climate crisis, and in the forefront of struggle to expose false solutions and promote real solutions to achieve climate justice. We were honored to be in that space with our Global South partners, US and other international allies, making connections across geographies and issues – these relationships are a key part of what it will take to heal and cool the planet, while developing deep resilience to the shocks and slides to come.

Like thousands of people committed to climate justice, I traveled to Paris last month to participate in the historic events surrounding the UN climate change meetings (COP-21). There I connected with Grassroots International’s team – including key staff members and representatives from partner organizations from Brazil, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Palestine – and joined in the activities in the ‘climate action zone’.

One of the common themes coming from the streets of the Climate Justice Summit in Paris (and not heard in the offical government negotiations) is a clear linking of capitalism's insatiable appetite and climate disruption. Two Grassroots International partners offered these reflections.

When two dams owned by transnational mining companies burst in Brazil, a flood of toxic mud and wastewater poured into neighboring villages and began its journey down the Rio Doce (“Sweet River”). This tragedy could have been avoided if companies heeded warnings sounded more than two years ago. Instead, authorities estimate over 2,000 people have been affected in the immediate area of the dam, with more than 600 people evacuated (many rescued by helicopter), hundreds left homeless, and dozens of people who are still unaccounted for feared dead.

Since 1994, August 9 has been dedicated as the UN’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous People. The primary purpose of this commemorative day is to help promote and protect the rights of indigenous people around the world.